“I am totally opposed to domestic violence, everybody here knows that,” the president told reporters. “I am totally opposed to domestic violence of any kind. ... It almost wouldn’t even have to be said.”

The scandal has rocked the West Wing, with reports of fighting among staffers. Chief of Staff John Kelly is facing calls for his resignation after he initially defended Porter — then kept it up for over a day.

The White House and FBI have offered conflicting descriptions about the status of the former staff secretary’s security clearance. Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Tuesday a White House security office had not yet closed a background investigation case. But FBI Director Christopher Wray, whom Trump nominated, told lawmakers his agency had closed its background probe related to Porter’s security clearance application.

“John Kelly has done a remarkable job as chief of staff for the president of the United States,” Pence said Wednesday. “And I look forward to continuing to work with him for many, many months to come.”